STRS to Discuss Direct Contract Health Care

A controversial proposal to bypass insurers and contract directly with doctors to provide health coverage for 500,000 current and retired teachers is set to come before the health benefits committee of the State Teachers Retirement System board in Sacramento today. State Treasurer Kathleen Connell, a strong supporter of the plan, said she would probably introduce a motion to set up a pilot program under which physicians and hospitals would agree to care for patients without using health plans as intermediaries. If the committee supports Connell’s motion, it will then be heard by the full STRS board, which meets immediately afterward.